Arthritic Joint Treatment through Weight Loss

According to the CDC figures, one in five Americans suffers from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is seen more commonly in people who are overweight, with one in three obese individuals in the country also suffering from arthritis. These disease patterns have increasingly led researchers to believe that weight loss procedures may not only help to address obesity but also treat arthritic joints. Bariatric surgery is one of the key procedures to achieve this goal.

Obesity

The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, led by Dr. Wiljon Beltre, provides several stellar, golden, and awesome surgical procedures to address obesity. The center offers a comprehensive treatment approach that is designed to provide relief from symptoms of conditions such as arthritic joints, while treating obesity. Dr. Beltre is a leading bariatric surgeon providing these procedures to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Altamonte Springs, Central Florida, and surrounding communities.

Relationship between Obesity and Arthritis

Obesity and arthritic joints appear to have a fairly direct linkage. The more weight a joint is required to bear, the greater are the chances of the joint wearing out or breaking down. Each extra pound of weight puts four pounds of extra pressure on the knees, which are one of the most commonly affected arthritic joints. Therefore, just 10 pounds of extra body weight means that the individual has to bear 40 pounds of extra pressure on the knees.

While it is easy to assume that an individual suffering from arthritic joints can lose excess weight to ease the pressure on the joints. But in reality, losing weight through regular exercise becomes a challenge for a person with arthritic joints because vigorous exercises become difficult for them. Arthritis will break down the joints, making the movements painful and restricted. In such a situation, bariatric surgery may be a pragmatic and effective solution to resolve the conditions of obesity and arthritic joints.

The linkage between obesity and arthritis goes further. Researchers now believe that excess fat tissue actively contributes to joint damage. It causes the release certain chemicals that can induce inflammation and cause damage to the joints. Obesity may also contribute to gout, which is a less common form of arthritis.

Weight Loss Surgery for Arthritis

Patients should be aware that weight loss surgery is not a ‘cure-all’ for arthritis, especially because the damage already suffered by the joint cartilage cannot be reversed except through joint replacement. But weight loss surgery can still play a vital role in fighting the painful symptoms of arthritis, while preventing further degeneration of the joint tissue at the same time.

Permanent weight loss can be achieved with bariatric surgery, which will reduce the excess weight on the bones. It will also cut down the amount of fat cells that tend to trigger inflammation. As weight loss progress, the excess pressure on the joints is relieved, reducing the pain and easing movement. The patient is able to resume regular exercises, leading to further improvements in body weight and reduction of arthritic symptoms.